Loose-leaf binder.



J. C` MERWIN.

LOOSE LEAF BINDER.

APPLICATION FILED IULY aI. 1915.

` 1,192,923. Patented Aug. 1, 1916.

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JOHN C. MERWIN, OF I-IOLY'OKE, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR TO h`I'l.'.l.[0Nl-1L BLANK BGO COMPANY, 0F HOLYOKE, MASSACHUSETTS, A VOLUNTARY TRUST ASSOCIA- TION 0F COPARTNERSI-IIP, ."'z-QAVING AS TRUSTEES 'J'. W'. T01/VITE, EYB. TGW'NE, E. S. TOWNE, J. M. TOWNE, AND F. W. WILSON.

LOOSE-LEAF BINDER.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug. 1, 1916..

T0 all whom t may concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN C. MiinwiN, a citizen of the United States, residing at the city of Holyoke, county of Hampden, State of Massachusetts, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Loose-Leaf Binders; and I do declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the f invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

The present invention relates to new and useful improvements in loose-leaf binders and it has for its primary aim to provide an improved guiding means for the side clamping members of a binder which will eiliciently operate in maintaining the clamping members steady during sliding thereof.

The invention further resides in a simple construction wherein is provided flat end bridge pieces with which cooperate the turned over portions of the slidable clamping members of the binder for guiding the saine.

For a full understanding of the invention reference is had to the following specilication and claims and the accompanying drawing wherein like numerals of reference designate corresponding parts throughout and in which:

Figure l is an elevation of the back of a loose leaf binder embodyingthe invention; Fig. 2 is a transverse section thereof taken on line 2 2 of Fig. l; Fig. 3 is a fragmentary longitudinal section on line 3 3 of Fig. l; and Fig. 4 is a fragmentary perspective of one of the side clamping members.

The type of binder on which this invention is an improvement is shown in Patent No. 1,085,328 granted to E. H. Elder, I anuary 27, 1914. A binder of this style comprises a back plate l having angular ends 2 and centrally arranged bearing blocks 8 secured to the back plate and in which is journaled an operating rod 4. 'Ihis rod is pro vided with right and left screw threads with which nuts 5 engage whereby on rotation of the rod the nuts will move in opposite directions, as is obvious.

The invention comprises a flat bridge piece or plate 6 fixed on each bearing block 3 in parallel and spaced relation with the adj acent end 2. Slidably cooperating with the respective bridge pieces are the lips 8 which are formed by the turned over ends of side clamping members 7 and which slidably engage the respective bridge pieces to steady and guide the clamping members in their lateral sliding movement. These lips operate in the space between the bridge pieces and the adjacent ends 2 and coperate with the bridge pieces to reinforce the structure. Each clamping member is curved upwardly and inwardly (Fig. 4) to permit of the member sliding inwardly on the flat bridge pieces which are received in the formed pocket 9. Above the pocket 9 the clamping member is extended vertically to provide a flanged support lO to which the covers, not shown, may be hinged as at 11. Extending inwardly from the opposing supports 10 of the clamping members are the usual tubular posts and rods 12, 18, telescopically coperating with each other. Cap plates 14 are secured to the ends of the clamping members and extend over the lips 8 to move therewith between the bridge pieces and ends of the back plate. A pair of links 15 pivotally con* nects each clamping member to the nuts 5. It is obvious that on turning the rod 4 by key 16, the nuts will accordingly separate or move toward one another, which, through the pairs of links 15, will correspondingly open or close the sliding clamping meinbers 7 The two end bridge pieces cooperating with the turned over lips render the binder substantial and practical throughout as well as efficient in operation.

What is claimed is:

1. In a loose-leaf binder, a back plate having angular ends, bearing blocks secured to the plate adjacent the ends thereof, flat bridge. pieces secured to the blocks in spaced relation to the ends of the back plate, side clamping members having their ends turned over to form lips slidably engaging with the respective bridge pieces and operating between the latter and the adjacent ends of the back plate, each clamping member being provided with a pocket to receive the bridge having inturned flanges movably engaging 1 5 pieces during closing movement, and operatwith the outer edge of said bridge plates.

ing mechanism journaled in the bearing In testimony whereof I a'fliX my signature blocks and Connected to the clamping memin presence of tWo Witnesses.

5 bers.

2. In a loose leaf binder, in combination, JGHN C' MERVIN' a back plate having upturned ends, bearing Witnesses: 'blocks With bridge plates secured near said A. JOHN MILLER, ends, and movable side clamping members GEORGE A. SAVOY.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. C. 

